‘A threat was made': Trump repositions nuclear subs after online spat with ex-Russian leader
Trump posted on his social media site that, based on the 'highly provocative statements' from Medvedev, he had 'ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that'.
The president added, 'Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.'
He told US cable network Newsmax Friday night Washington time (Saturday AEST) that the submarines had been moved closer to Russia.
It wasn't clear what impact Trump's order would have on US nuclear subs, which are routinely on patrol in the world's hotspots, but it comes at a delicate moment in the Trump administration's relations with Moscow.
Trump said later Friday that he was alarmed by Medvedev's attitude. 'He's got a fresh mouth,' he said in an interview with Newsmax on Saturday AEST.
Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made. He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week.
The post about the sub repositioning came after Trump, in the wee hours of Thursday morning, had posted that Medvedev was a 'failed former President of Russia' and warned him to 'watch his words'.
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